McComas Family

Summer Therapy

2011-08-05T23:32:00.003-04:00

When school ends, so do the therapies. Mommy takes over.

A little gross motor climbing. Gotta get those goldfish.

Some oral motor. Alex always won the cotton ball race. He just can't let his sister win.
Don't forget the sensory awareness. She loves the "cream".

It's a Love/Hate Thing

2011-08-05T23:22:00.002-04:00

Lindsay and Brody have spent most of the summer fighting over toys, socks, whatever they can find. What one has, the other wants. Barking or screaming usually signals the loser.
Tug-a-war (mouths only)
They do have their tender moments. She loves it when he kisses her!

Brody, the newest McComas

2011-06-26T20:29:00.003-04:00

Brody has been a fun addition to our family. He loves to be outside as long as someone is with him. He loves to jump in and out of our little pool and then he runs around the yard only to jump back in again.

He loves hang out on the couch. The floor is for suckers!
Brody and Lindsay are constantly playing tug-a-war over something. He enjoys it more than she does.

Mommy/Son Weekend

2011-06-26T20:15:00.004-04:00

Alex and I took a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach for a quick getaway. We had so much fun. He was basically in charge of our agenda which was a treat for him because usually we have to accommodate Lindsay (which was another reason for our trip).
He has been wanting to do MagiQuest forever. It was more fun than I had anticipated. We completed 5 quests and he became a "Junior Magi". It was kinda addicting and we weren't ready to go when our time ran out. He carries his wand around wherever we go casting spells on everything and everyone.

We went miniature golfing.
He loved the lazy river and ditched me when he made a new friend.

Lindsay's Birthday

2011-05-30T20:23:00.008-04:00

Somehow, my little girl has turned 4. I don't know where the time

has gone! Lindsay has completely changed our lives. I love how

she looks at the world. She's also changing how the world looks

at her. I love that she is changing the world's expectations of what

most people think of people with Down syndrome.

At four years old, Lindsay:

*loves going to school-She says hi and bye to her classmates. One typical

little girl said that Lindsay was her best friend. We love her school. Her

vocabulary has shot through the roof. She has so many people that

are looking out for her.

*still has a limited menu. I have promised (threatened) her that we

will be working on this issue during the summer.

*mimics her brother's every move. This often takes my breathe away

with the daring stunts that she performs, but she always thinks

she's hilarious.

*is still a good sleeper. When she's not sleepy, she will dump out

her dresser so that clothes are scattered all over her floor.

However, she always helps me pick them up and put

them back in the drawers.

*is starting to use 3 words together. I know this is way behind

where other 4 year olds are, but it's progress for her.

*understands just about everything you say to her. She doesn't

always act like she understands, but she does. She has a stubborn

streak in her.

*still loves her music. She HAS to listen to her CDs in the car. She

knows all the words and sings along. I'm so tired of hearing the

same songs over and over, but I love that little voice.

*thinks getting into trouble is funny. She will do things that

she knows she's not supposed to do. She'll look you straight in the

eye, do it and then laugh about it. She loves to tease.

We took the family to the Lazy Five Ranch to celebrate. Lindsay

was hesitant at first about the animals, but she finally got into

feeding them.

Children's Museum

2010-11-24T18:37:00.006-05:00

We took a little drive to Greensboro to the Children's Museum

and the kids had a blast. Lindsay especially loved the market.

She filled her cart with all sorts of fruits and vegetables

she refuses to eat, but she loved pushing that cart around.

Alex was a "bad boy".

He drove a package delivery truck

We became anchors and reported the news.

Lindsay drove the firetruck.

Halloween

2010-11-24T18:19:00.004-05:00

I saw this costume and knew it was for Lindsay.

Lindsay went trick-or-treating as Abby Cadabby from

Sesame Street (her absolute favorite character).

She loved the wand and kept her wings on the

entire night.

Alex dressed as Harry Potter. He has been reading

the books this fall and has seen a couple

of the movies.

We actually let Lindsay walk this year and collect

her own bag of candy. She did well for awhile.

When she got tired, we loaded her up in her wagon

and she sipped milk while her brother filled her bag.

Only a few idiots told her she had to say "trick-or-treat"

before getting candy. I told them politely that we're

working on it. I was very proud of my self control!

My sister and her family walked with us. The

boys were super cute as Superman and a cowboy.

The gang!

Buddy Walk 2010

2010-10-09T20:02:00.006-04:00

We had another great Buddy Walk. We raised $625 in Lindsay's name to support people with Down syndrome in our area. Thanks to everyone who donated or came out to walk.Lindsay didn't get a nap until the actual walk. Kristin was sweet enough to carry her the entire walk and even got drool on her shirt.

Alex is 8!

2010-09-06T15:57:00.006-04:00

My little boy is getting so big! I remember when we found out we were having a boy. My first thought was "What do you do with a boy?" because we only had girls in our family. Alex has taught me what you do with boys:

wrestle with them
try to convince them that you actually know what you are talking about and how they don't know everything
feed them
remind them over and over to brush their teeth
freeze/sweat at soccer games
spend hours outside playing with balls, riding bikes
remind him that soccer isn't an inside game
remind them to wash their hands!!!
give them a hug and kiss when they skin their knees
convince them that burping and farting are NOT funny

For his present this year, we decided to give him something he has been wanting for 2 years. We are taking him to the Great Wolf Lodge for a night. It is an indoor water park that is only 5 minutes from our house. I'll post pictures when we get back.

Instead of the traditional birthday cake, we had a chocolate fountain. We had a lot of fun dipping strawberries, cake, marshmallows, pretzels...

It has been a joy to be Alex's mom!

Tweetsie Railroad

2010-09-06T15:38:00.004-04:00

We took a day trip to Tweetsie Railroad, a western amusement park build especially for kids. We had a blast. I can't wait until Lindsay can ride more rides. She loved the trains and riding in the cars the best. Watch out world, Alex is at the wheel!

We learned our lesson from the Tilt-a-Whirl. Lindsay does not like twirling around and around. She loved it at first, but it got going too fast and she started signing "all done". I couldn't make it be "all done" so she buried her head in my arm and waited for it to be over. She ran right to Dan when we got off and attached herself to him. She swatted at me when I told her I was sorry and tried to hold her. She eventually forgave me.

Alex is getting old enough to start riding the "big kid" rides. He loved this one even though it made his cheeks hurt.

Lindsay loved riding the train. We are practicing making the "toot toot" sound--always working on those speech skills!

First Day of School '10

2010-08-29T20:08:00.002-04:00

I sent two big kids off to school this year. I'm not quite sure how that happened.

Lindsay started at her preschool on Monday. She'll receive all her therapies at the school during the day. She absolutely loves it. She runs into school and doesn't want to leave at the end of the day. At first, we thought we'd be putting her on the bus to and from school, but we decided to enroll her in the before/after school care. It is offered only to Cabarrus Co. School employees so we lucked out!

Alex started school on Wednesday. He is now attending the school in which I work. I've missed being in the same school so it is really nice to see him now and then during the day walking down the hall with his class. He is adjusting well and making friends.

Georgia Aquarium

2010-08-22T18:53:00.004-04:00

We took a quick trip down to Atlanta to visit the aquarium. We all loved it.
Lindsay was especially fascinated by the fish.

Lindsay was asleep by the end. She didn't sleep well while in the hotel. She woke up at 2:00 a.m. and only slept on and off until 6:30. Dan and I took shifts wrestling her into the bed. She got to sleep on the way home!

Escape Artist

2010-08-22T18:48:00.002-04:00

Recently Lindsay has found another way around those

pesky gates. For awhile she kept getting stuck in the

"moat" between the half wall and the couch but she

learned that if she really kicked her leg up and over, she

could reach the other side. We have since moved the

gate to another location, but she now has access to

the kitchen.

YIKES!

You thought I was sleeping.

2010-08-22T18:39:00.003-04:00

Lindsay has been a very difficult napper this

summer. 3 days after school ended, Lindsay

decided that she was going to stop taking naps.

This was not an option.

I had to remove all her toys from her room and

she still found things to "play" with.

Who would have thought that socks and

paper were so much fun?

So everytime I put her to bed, she would immediately

empty her sock drawer and another drawer that had

some birthday cards.

I ended up sitting in her room until she fell asleep

which could take anywhere from 10-45 min.

This is what her room looked like before I started

sitting with her.

That was hard work! Look how exhausted she is.

Little Prankster

2010-07-18T20:14:00.003-04:00

One evening, I had to go out to do some errands so I stopped at CVS to pick something up. I was standing in line patiently waiting for my turn to check out, when a woman approached me from behind and asked if I had any children. I thought it was a little odd, but I answered yes. She told me that she thought one of them was probably playing a trick on me and pointed to my bottom. I looked back and peeled a sticker off my shorts. Sure enough, I had a "Wow" sticker right on my back side. I told her that surely my son wouldn't have done something like that.

By the time I reached the car, I started to have second thoughts so I called home and asked to speak to Alex. I asked him about the sticker and he started laughing right away. He told me that he got it at tennis camp and had put it on my bottom while I was walking up the stairs to put Lindsay to bed. That was 5 hours ago! I had been wearing that sticker for most of the day. I was impressed that he went all day waiting for me to find it. Now that's patience!

Lake Lure

2010-07-18T20:07:00.004-04:00

We took a day trip to Lake Lure. Lindsay loved it!

She didn't love the beach on our vacation, but she loved

lake water. The sand was much cooler and there were no

waves to knock her down. She absolutely loved trying

to catch the butterflies that landed near the water.

Of course, Alex jumped right in and had a good time

jumping off his dad.

Misc. Summer Pics

2010-07-18T19:55:00.003-04:00

We went to Carolina Beach for our family vacation

this year. The kids did a great job entertaining themselves.

Thank goodness for DVD players!

Alex got a hold of the camera to entertain himself.

This only one of the many silly pictures he took.

We had two tired kids by the end of the week.

We had a good time going on a horse drawn carriage
ride in downtown Wilmington. We learned some
history and Lindsay only tried to jump out a
couple of times.

Of course, we went to the Harrisburg Fourth of July fair.
Alex and I stayed for the fireworks while Dan and Lindsay
went home. I can't wait for the day when we can do more
as a family.

New Photos

2010-07-07T12:28:00.008-04:00

Discovery Place

2010-05-29T21:30:00.009-04:00

We decided to take a trip to Discovery Place to check

it out.
Lindsay especially loved the water table.

And the drums too.

Alex and I built a shelter. I'm not convinced

that we'd make it out in the wild.

Very cool morning!!! I highly recommend it.

Lindsay is 3!

2010-05-29T21:14:00.008-04:00

Our little girl has turned 3. I don't know where the

time has gone! We had a family party at Monkey Joes and

pizza and cake at our house.

Lindsay got a drum from her PT. It is a favorite.

Of course, Mom made another fantastic cake.

Lindsay blew out her candles this year.

Another favorite was the water table.

Strawberry Picking

2010-05-29T21:08:00.005-04:00

I took the family strawberry picking for the

first time. We ate our fill of strawberries!

Mother's Day

2010-05-29T21:02:00.003-04:00

I am so blessed to have happy and healthy kids!

My new favorite picture of the kids.

Lindsay's New Room

2010-04-11T18:32:00.003-04:00

Since Lindsay was born, I always felt that purple suited her

better than pink. I've been wanting to paint over her pink walls

for nearly 3 years. I finally did it and we love it!

New Do

2010-04-11T15:14:00.004-04:00

Isn't Lindsay's new haircut supercute?

Jump

2010-04-08T20:03:00.003-04:00

We have been working on jumping for months. She finally has it! Yippee!!!

Lindsay at the Dentist

2010-04-07T16:51:00.010-04:00

Lindsay had her first visit to the dentist. While these

pictures make it out to be a pleasant visit, I assure

you, it was not. Let's just say that Lindsay was very

interested in all of the tools the dentist had and had to

put her little fingers on them all. She was pleased to get a

new toothbrush, which the hygenist had to use to clean her

teeth because there was no way she was going to allow the

rotating brush in. She loved the water sprayer and spit sucker.

I don't know the technical terms, but you know what I'm talking

about. I was told that most kids hate that part, but not Lindsay.

That was all she wanted to do.

When it was time the dentist to exam her teeth, I had to hold her down

while she clenched her jaws shut. With three of us, we finally got her

mouth open so the dentist could count them. She has all her teeth, no

extras or missing teeth. The dentist told me that we would probably be

visiting an othodontist in the future because her top teeth are very

close together and when she gets her permanent teeth, which are larger,

it will get crowded and they will probably start to twist and turn. Let's

not think about that bill yet.

While the hygenist was coaxing Lindsay to get her mouth open,

a dad walked by with his daughter. He did a double take at

Lindsay and said how cute she was. He said he has a 8 year

old daughter with Ds who was the same way when she was

little. Now she loves going to the dentist. I guess there's hope.

My Kids

2010-04-07T16:48:00.004-04:00

No really good reason to post this, but it is a

pretty cute picture of my kids!

Smilin' Kids

2010-04-07T16:44:00.003-04:00

We love having cousins Ryan and Owen live

just 5 minutes from us now. I took

Alex, Ryan and Lindsay to the park while Owen

got his check up.

*Notice, they are all looking at the camera

and smiling at the same time.

NC Zoo

2010-04-04T21:14:00.006-04:00

For our first day of spring break, we went to the zoo. This is Alex

and Lindsay in some rather large eggs.

This is Lindsay's new favorite way to travel.

The chimp came right up to the glass to check Lindsay out.

At one point they were pointing at each other, but our

camera was too slow.

Update

2010-02-14T19:36:00.014-05:00

Okay, so it's been awhile since I updated our blog. Nothing extraordinary happening here. We're just in the school/work, homework, dinner, bath, and bedtime routine everyday. Here are some little things that are new to the kids.

Lindsay

*She just graduated from her crib into a toddler bed. The transition was much easier than anticipated. She seems pretty pleased with herself to be a big girl! We are painting the walls light purple next weekend.

*Insists on walking everywhere we go. I guess she thinks she's getting too old to be carried.

*Is going to school 3 days a week.

*Got her first haircut.

*Discovered that she's not too fond of snow. It's too COLD!

*Found that she absolutely loves powered donuts. We have to distract her when we're in the grocery store near the donuts. She is crazy about them.

*Loves mommy's snuggie.
*Just a random picture I thought was just too cute to not post.

Alex
*Always has a book with him. He loves to go to the library and get a stack of chapter books. It's amazing how fast he goes through them.

*Discovered that he loves to be pulled behind the four wheeler at Papaw and Nana's house.

*Found that you can get very cold sledding.

*Is doing more chores.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T13:31:00.013-05:00

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, sister

and her family. We had dinner, went to church,

opened presents and enjoyed some desserts.

Alex got an air hockey table from Grandpa and

Grandma.

Grandpa helped Lindsay open her presents.

On Christmas morning, Alex was surprised to find
that Santa had given him a skateboard.
Lindsay ended up with the flu. It was pretty
intense for 6 days. She wasn't even interested
in opening up her presents. Alex and I got strep
the day after Christmas. Somehow Dan managed
to escape the germs even though he spent
many nights rocking Lindsay.

Alex loves his Lite Bright.

Lindsay jumped on her new trampoline for a few
minutes before retreating back into our arms for
another snooze.

Later on that day, we made our way to Nana and
Papaw's house.

Lindsay and Madison played us some Christmas music.

Lindsay had a sudden burst of energy and helped pass
out the presents.

Alexbot

2009-12-18T15:49:00.003-05:00

Alex wrote this gem for school this week. It is so Alex.

I would make a robot that can go to school for me. Then I could stay at home and watch TV all day. He could go to bed when my mom and dad tell him to and I could stay up late. It could do my chores for me. He could do my homework for me. He could do all my math test for me. His name would be named Alexbot.

Soccer Season Comes to an End

2009-11-21T19:45:00.004-05:00

Alex had a great soccer season. He has shown a

lot of improvement since August. His team played

in 2 playoff games and then made it to the

championship game. They didn't win the

final game, but they gave it a good try.

Aw Shucks

2009-11-20T20:15:00.008-05:00

I'm taking my fourth graders on a field trip to a

farm called Aw Shucks in Monroe so I decided

to preview it with the family.

We roamed around in the corn maze.

We fed the sheep.

Lindsay loved those sheep!

Alex taught Lindsay how to milk a cow.

We went on a tractor ride.

This is Lindsay trying to escape, Alex making

a cheesy smile, and me trying to get a decent

picture with my kids.

Maybe next time.

Roses

2009-11-08T15:42:00.004-05:00

The best thing we ever planted were these

rose bushes. They provide color from the spring

to the fall. They are still going strong in

early November.
They apparently taste good too!

Misc pictures

2009-10-19T20:32:00.009-04:00

Nothing new or extremely exciting to report here, but I haven't

posted anything for awhile so I thought I would

share some random pictures.

The weather turned cold and the sweaters

came out.

Alex is becoming increasingly useful as he gets older.

Alex lost a front tooth and swallowed it while eating a corn dog at school.
We never retrieved it.

Lindsay still loves to get into things.

Buddy Walk 2009

2009-10-04T19:40:00.011-04:00

This weekend we attended our second annual

Buddy Walk which raises money for the

Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte.

Dad entertained Lindsay by playing with

water. She ended up soaked, but happy!

Lindsay enjoyed a yummy snack.

With no nap, Lindsay was exhausted by the time the walk actually started.

This team picture has Nana in it:)

Tinker Bell

2009-09-26T20:36:00.004-04:00

We bought this Halloween costume at a store as a possibility

for Lindsay this year. We decided to take it back because she would

freeze while trick-or-treating..

She loved the skirt. Lindsay danced and twirled around the room.

Notice the cheesy smile again! She will now say "cheese"

while getting her picture taken. It's very cute, but she makes

the silliest face!

Cookie Thief

2009-09-26T20:23:00.003-04:00

I told Alex he could have one cookie for dessert.

About an hour later, while I was busy working on a newsletter for school and very distracted, Alex snuck into the pantry and stole another cookie.

I caught him right in the middle of pulling his hand out of the bag. Our conversation went like this:

Me: Alex, what in the world are you doing?

Alex: Well, I was just having a cookie.

Me: I said you could have one tonight. You already ate one.

Alex: Well, you said that if I touch food, I can't put it back. I have to eat it. I have already touched the cookie.

Me: I cannot believe you are trying that on me!

Alex: You made the rule, not me. Please can I have it? Just this one time.

Me: You aren't getting it.

Alex: Pleeeeeease!

Me: (being the softy that I am) Fine, you can have half--the half that you touched.

Alex: Yessss!

Alex then very carefully broke the cookie in "half". Only his half wasn't exactly half, it was more like three-fourths.

Smiling as he walked away, he knew that he played me.

Pretty Girl

2009-09-13T17:29:00.006-04:00

I bought this dress in January and have been waiting

all summer for Lindsay to fit into it.

She sure is beautiful in it.

New Soccer Season

2009-09-13T17:21:00.004-04:00

Alex had his first soccer game of the season.

We have been working on being more aggressive.

He kicked the ball a couple of time, but we'll keep

working on it.

Alex is 7

2009-09-05T14:56:00.007-04:00

Alex is 7 today. His was a hard birth, but well worth it :)

Happy Birthday!

We had his party last week. We had hot dogs, chips and cake. Lots and lots of cake.

Save the Date

2009-08-30T20:26:00.003-04:00

We are going to participating in the 2009 Buddy Walk this year to support people with Down syndrome. The Charlotte Down Syndrome Association does a lot of great work to support children with Down syndrome and their families.

We raised $500 last year for our first walk. We would like to beat it this year.

Join us October 4th. You can sign up on our website:

http://dsac.kintera.org/charlotte09/lindsaymccomas2

It's Baaaaaack!

2009-08-23T18:56:00.002-04:00

Somehow the calendar has managed to roll around to late August. You know what that means...back to school.

I've done the back to school shopping for clothes and supplies, filled out the required forms for Alex, prepared my classroom for kids and I'm exhausted already!!!

When is Christmas break????

Braids

2009-08-09T16:26:00.004-04:00

You have to be quick to give Lindsay braids.

They are a little uneven, but still cute.

No Fair

2009-08-09T16:24:00.001-04:00

Lindsay surprised us today by saying "Dada" with the daddy sign.

So now she can say "Alex" and "Dada".

Not even close to "Mama".

Lindsay's Boys

2009-08-02T21:31:00.005-04:00

These are Lindsay's favorite boys.

She has them wrapped around her finger.

Times have changed...thank goodness!

2009-07-31T20:33:00.005-04:00

We met Lindsay's new PT today. We loved her previous PT, but she took a job to be closer to her home. Who could blame her?

The new PT has a 37 year old brother who has Down syndrome. He lives independently with some roommates, but has people check in on them. The thing that struck me the most was the story of his birth. His mother had no idea that he had Down syndrome. After birth the doctor told her that he was a mongoloid and suggested that he be starved to death. Luckily, she found support in another person who encouraged her to keep him.

It is astonishing that this was the attitude only 37 years ago. I could never imagine giving Lindsay up or letting something bad happen to her just because she wasn't "perfect". The thought never even entered my mind after her diagnosis. Dan and I can't imagine our life without Lindsay.

3 Strikes

2009-07-31T08:27:00.004-04:00

We have not had the best luck this week.

On Sunday while Dan was mowing, the mower threw a rock into my van's side window and shattered it. It was pretty easy to replace, but still!

On Tuesday, the battery died in my van. Luckily the kids and I were at home. Goodbye $120.

Yesterday, I was going to heat Alex's lunch in the microwave. Everything seemed to look okay. It was making noise, the lights were on, and it dinged when it was finished, except it was stone cold. We have a built-in microwave so you know it won't be cheap to replace.

That's our third mini-disaster this week, so I think I'm finished. It's someone else's turn!

It's Working!

2009-07-30T19:24:00.002-04:00

Don't you love it when all of the training you put into your kids pays off.

Alex put his dishes in the dishwasher twice today with no prompting from me.

Go Alex!

"Hi"

2009-07-30T12:28:00.003-04:00

Taking Lindsay out is so much fun. I used to be very self-conscious about it, thinking everyone was staring. But now, I don't care. There are still people that do a double take at Lindsay, but it doesn't bother me.

Lindsay loves her fans and she thinks everyone is a fan. We walk down store aisles together with her waving and yelling "hi" to everyone who passes by. Most people instantly respond back with a "hi", but watch out if you don't. She is persistent. She will continue to yell "hi" until you respond and it gets louder and louder each time. Once she gets a "hi" she'll move on to the next person.

It's very different from Alex who used to hide behind my legs when anyone talked to him.

Just Because

2009-07-30T04:57:00.010-04:00

Random pictures I've taken from the last week or so.

Yes, we are matching our outfits for church. Notice

the cheesy grin Lindsay is now giving for pictures.

Lindsay let Papaw hold her for awhile. Progress!!!

Lindsay loves playing with this baby's hair.

Lindsay made this mess, but she also cleaned it up (with
help).

Cuddly kids

Splash Pad

2009-07-23T16:29:00.012-04:00

We went to the Kannapolis Splash Pad and had

a great time.

It was the perfect place for Lindsay to play without me following her around. It was fenced in and impossible for her to drown.

Don't mind the two random kids in this picture.

Our friends, Ivey and Bailey

Clapping...a favorite pasttime.

We also played on the playground.

Lindsay didn't enjoy the train ride. It was
too loud!

Hearing Test

2009-07-22T12:03:00.003-04:00

This morning, I took Lindsay for her semi-annual hearing test. I should be thankful that the only health issues we have had with her are vision and hearing. But, man I hate the hearing test.

It usually involves me restraining her hands with one hand and holding her head against my chest so the audiologist can test her ears. She wiggles, cries, and kicks her legs in protest. However, today she did a great job. She protested a little, but it was much improved from the last time.

Then, I get to hold her the same way while she has an ear piece inserted into her ear, which she doesn't like at all. The test can't begin until she is quiet and still. Yeah, right! And everytime she moves or makes a noise, we have to start over. It is torture. However, today we got to skip this test!

Then there is the hearing booth. I have to sit with her in my lap while she listens for different sounds coming from the speakers. She doesn't mind it if there is music playing, but once the tones come, it gets really boring for her. She turns around and plays with my face and gives me a kiss. Or she might take her shoes off and suck on her toes. Fun stuff! However, today she did a great job. She only gave me one kiss and mostly did what she was supposed to do.

She passed her test! Normal range is between 0-20 and the audiologist got her to score consistently at a 10.

We have always told everyone that she can hear. She may have a very slight hearing loss, but nothing that should affect anything. So, we are done with another hearing test. We'll look forward to another one in December.

"What can I do now?"

2009-07-22T12:00:00.003-04:00

I have a very clever boy.

At the beginning of the summer, I told Alex that every time he said, "I'm bored," he would have to pull 20 weeds.

He's a quick learner.

His new favorite phrase is "What can I do now?"

New words, same idea.

Goodwill

2009-07-18T18:48:00.004-04:00

I've never been a Goodwill shopper. A heavy donator, but not a shopper...until today.

Jackpot!!!

A new Goodwill opened so we thought we'd check it out. We got Alex stocked up on jeans for the next year at least. I got a couple of jeans and shorts for Lindsay, but it was Alex who really made out. Considering how rough he is on his jeans, I don't anticipate ever shopping at a store other than Goodwill for them.

Chase and Lindsay

2009-07-14T20:07:00.006-04:00

Today Lindsay got to play with her friend Chase.

Chase reading a book to Lindsay.

Lindsay showing the love.

"Why is this girl always on me?"

Hilton Head

2009-07-12T20:41:00.005-04:00

Dan and I just got back from annual trip with his company. This year we went to Hilton Head for 3 and a half days of no kids and no responsibilities. We slept in, ate well, and went to bed late. It was heaven. We went on a dolphin sight seeing trip.

Once captain found a dolphin we stalked it by following it around while people took pictures. It was very touristy, but fun and relaxing.

It's a Cruel, Cruel World

2009-07-12T20:27:00.003-04:00

I took my kids and neighbors to a park for a fun morning of play. Everyone was having a lot of fun until I went back to the car to find one of the doors to my van ajar. My purse was gone. It was pretty much my fault. Of course, I didn't force anyone to commit the crime, but I knew one of the locks on the van had been acting funny and I should have double checked it.

What I lost:
-purse (backpack style--completely out of fashion, but very practical when chasing Lindsay around)
-wallet with $7, license, bank card and one credit card
-camera (second one stolen within a year--very frustrating, however I had just downloaded all the pictures onto disc so it wasn't a complete lost)
-phone--with everyone's numbers
-coupon book--lost months and months of coupons
-all of my store cards--I was 2 punches away from getting free stuff from the teacher store
-misc. mommy stuff--sanitizer, bandaides, neosporin...

I immediately went to the bank and no one had used my bank card. They didn't use my credit card. Basically they didn't get much, but it was extremely inconvenient for me considering we were going out of town the next day.

My neighbor was awesome and really helped me out. She let me use her cell phone so I could call Dan on the way home and she watched the kids while I went to the DMV to get a new license.

Lesson learned: always lock your valuables up.

Aaarg!

2009-07-07T14:14:00.004-04:00

I have been giving Alex $5 a week for spending money

this summer. He gets to choose what to spend it

on. This morning he decided to buy a pirate kit

at the dollar store.

Isn't he scary?

Play Date

2009-07-07T14:04:00.008-04:00

One of the best things about summer is that we have more time to play

with our friends the Bondurants.

Lindsay and Stella are showing the love.

Alex and Zak made a mess with their ice cream.

Happy 4th

2009-07-05T19:55:00.014-04:00

Hope everyone had a good 4th of July. We had a cookout at the park, went to the festival, and watched fireworks.

Dan and Alex rode the slide.

Alex dunked the mayor of Harrisburg 2 times!

Lindsay loves to swing.

We played putt-putt at the park.

Alex played his guitar with the band.

Alex loved the fireworks.

Lindsay's first hair cut

2009-07-05T10:37:00.003-04:00

Lindsay received her first hair cut compliments of her daddy.

Alex and I were at the park watching the fireworks when, at home, Lindsay got a small round brush stuck in her hair. Long story short, Dan had to cut it out of her hair.

She now has her part on the other side of her head. Only a few strands stick up. It really isn't that noticeable, but I imagined her first hair cut going a little differently.

"Gimme 20"

2009-07-04T08:42:00.002-04:00

Last summer, Alex learned the phrase "I'm bored". It has taken 3 weeks, but it's back!

Yesterday, while Dan and I were cleaning up the yard, cooking for the 4th, and feeding Lindsay, Alex decided that he was bored.

So, I decided that each time Alex said he was bored, he would have to pick 20 weeks from the yard--for something to do. I guess he didn't believe that I would make him do it so he tested me.

I told him to put his shoes on and I'd see him again when he had 20 weeds. I was really surprised that he didn't fight me on it.

10 minutes later, he had a bucket full of weeds.

Success??

Yes, I'd have to say so. I got some weeds pulled from the yard and Alex hasn't said he is bored again--yet.

Alex's Blog

2009-07-01T13:08:00.002-04:00

Alex has a new blog. Check it out:

http://alexmccomas.blogspot.com/

Pretty Toes

2009-06-28T19:00:00.005-04:00

I painted Lindsay's toes. Aren't they pretty?

Wonder Works

2009-06-28T13:07:00.006-04:00

We went to a science/hands-on museum in Pigeon Forge. It was really crowded so we didn't get to do everything we wanted to do, but we got a few good pictures.

Alex, the astronaut

Dan on a bed of nails.

Pizza and Pancakes

2009-06-28T12:57:00.003-04:00

I feel pretty confident in saying that Linday is officially the pickiest eater in the world. I will put her up against anyone.

During our vacation, we ate at Pizza Hut and IHOP twice. Pizza Hut for lunch so Lindsay could eat pizza and get something in her stomach. Then for dinner, off to IHOP we went for pancakes.

On the third day, we couldn't stomach the thought of eating pancakes again, but Lindsay had to eat something so we found a Cracker Barrel. Of course, she refused to eat anything.

I spend a lot of my time and energy each day coaxing her to eat. I'm ready to move out of this phase!

Wilderness Resort

2009-06-24T12:40:00.014-04:00

Here are some pictures of our vacation in Tennessee. We are having a great time!

Alex is in the middle of the huge splash of water.

Mommy and Lindsay wrestled a snake.

Daddy and Lindsay found a cozy spot to swim.

Alex was brave and took on some body boarding.

Daddy took his turn too.

This was Lindsay's favorite activity. She was scared of the fountain on the first day, but then couldn't get enough.

Summer Time

2009-06-21T12:58:00.006-04:00

We have been taking more bike rides now that school is out. Lindsay loves to ride in the cart. On her way out, she grabbed Alex's glasses and put them on (upside down, but on!).

We tried the sprinkler, but Alex was the only one who enjoyed it. It was too cold for Lindsay.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T12:42:00.010-04:00

Why I love my Daddy:

-He plays "attack" with me.
-He reads me books.
-Sometimes he lets me go to McDonalds.
-Sometimes he lets me get in bed with him when I am scared.
-He prays with me at night.

Love,
Alex

Why I love my Daddy:

-He gives me a bath every night and he doesn't complain when I am especially fussy.
-He reads me the same book over and over.
-He always gives me milk whenever I ask for it.
-He learned how to put my hair up so it wouldn't be in my face.
-He happily gets up with me on Saturday mornings so my mommy can sleep.

Love,
Lindsay

Missiles?

2009-06-19T16:06:00.001-04:00

Alex had been in the bathroom for a few minutes when I heard him yell, "Fire the missiles!"

I didn't even ask what was going on in there.

Climber

2009-06-17T20:41:00.004-04:00

Lindsay loves to climb up on things. She especially loves to take whatever toy she is playing with or snack she is eating to the coffee table and get settled there.

It's amazing that she really hasn't fallen down from the table. She has given us a few scares, but she seems to know where the edge is.

And it is good PT right?

Playing Outside

2009-06-17T20:30:00.006-04:00

It has been just Lindsay and me this week with Alex away at camp during the day.

Everytime we go outside, Lindsay runs down to the street. I don't know why she loves the street so much, but if we're outside, that's where you'll find us.

I was able to keep her in the driveway for a few minutes once I brought out the chalk.

She feels very comfortable walking far distances from me and would probably just keep on walking if I didn't turn her around. This is her waving goodbye to me.

Wiggles

2009-06-16T20:17:00.002-04:00

I took Alex and another boy to cub scout camp this morning.

Before I even started the engine, Alex asked me to please not play the Wiggles CD. Now, this is very different from the Alex that I know. Lately, he has been very enthusiastic about listening to the Wiggles every time we get in the car. He says it will make Lindsay happy, but he sings right along to every word and even makes requests. So when Alex asked me to not make him listen to the CD because his friend was in the car, I just smiled and turned it off.

Half way there, I decided to turn the CD on just to see what would happen. To my surprise, Alex started singing along. When the other boy covered his ears, Alex sang even louder. He then confessed that he liked the Wiggles. At this point, I stopped the CD so we could change the subject and the other boy could uncover his ears.

I can't wait until Alex is 10 and reads this :)

Sad Sight

2009-06-13T11:06:00.001-04:00

We had to put the books in the bathroom again. We just can't take reading 24/7.

This morning Lindsay must have been missing them because she walked around the house in circles making the "book" sign.

I guess we can bring a couple out of hiding.

Project

2009-06-12T19:57:00.003-04:00

It's day 2 of Alex's summer break. He decided that each door in the house needed a label so Lindsay's room says "Lindsays room" and the playroom says "Alex and Lindsays Playroom" and so on. Tomorrow he'll be getting a lesson on possessives. I just can't help it--it's the teacher in me.

Summer is here

2009-06-12T14:21:00.002-04:00

Woo hoo!!

That's all I need to say.

Cub Scouts

2009-06-07T19:46:00.002-04:00

Today we had our last celebration for scouts. Alex received his Tiger Scout Badge and some other awards.

100

2009-06-07T12:38:00.001-04:00

The number of times someone in this house has read "Brown Bear" to Lindsay this weekend.

PS: Alex has only read it once to her.

Weekend Project

2009-06-07T12:29:00.003-04:00

On Friday, we started to turn our 4th bedroom into a second playroom for the kids. Yes, they now have 2 rooms devoted to toys. The room has to this point been a sort of junk room with random stuff thrown in there. It now has a play kitchen, white/chalk board and random toys cleaned out from the first playroom. We were also able to get some of the toys out of our bedroom.

On Saturday, we cleaned out the downstairs playroom and threw out 2 bags of toys. We just did this a few months ago. You'd think the kids wouldn't have any toys left, but I assure you they have plenty. I think the toys are multiplying while we sleep.

Dancing Feet

2009-06-04T20:16:00.004-04:00

Lindsay's dancing style has evolved.

She used to bop up and down by bending her knees.

Now, she stomps her feet around. Her dance style is a little "River Dancerish". Check it out.

Banished Books

2009-06-02T21:17:00.003-04:00

Any idea where Lindsay's basket of books is?

Yes, the bathroom!

Lindsay has developed a obsessive mentality about books lately. It's kind of like potato chips--you just can't eat one. We read books for hours and hours. After you've read a book 5 times and hide it from her, she'll go get another one. If you don't read it, she'll take your hands and put them on the book. Then she does the "book please" sign. Who can resist?

So, when I came home from school after an exhausting day, I just couldn't stomach the thought of reading a book 20 times. Yes, I hid them in the bathroom and shut the door. It wasn't a good mommy thing to do, but sometimes drastic measures have to be taken.

I'll get them out tomorrow, but I sure enjoyed the peace today.

School Work

2009-06-01T20:23:00.002-04:00

As I was going through Alex's work folder this week, I came upon these writing gems:

Alex's sweet side came through in this piece.

"I am so glad that my mom tucks me in bed every night. I love it when she reads me Stuart Little. I love you mom!
Love,
Alex"

Now for Alex's weird side.

"My Hamster

My hamster has a poop and pee corner. He is stinky sometimes. Sometimes I forget to feed him but he still is alive."

I only wonder what his teacher thinks of us.

An Artist

2009-06-01T17:57:00.002-04:00

Lindsay loves to draw, especially with pens. We are going through our fair share of stain remover these days. She absolutely would not give the pen up when she got down. She refused to eat dinner and cried hysterically when I took it away. Alex had to distract her and snatch it away. Luckily, the Wiggles were on so she didn't get too upset. What would we do without the Wiggles?

Lindsay's doctor appointment

2009-05-28T20:14:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I took Lindsay to her two-year-old check-up. I love her doctor. He is so knowledgeable, up beat and clearly loves kids. The first time we met him was the morning after Lindsay's birth. Dan and I were still in shock after her diagnosis, but he made us feel so much better that we had to continue seeing him even though Alex had a different pediatrician. He was impressed with Lindsay. Here are her stats:

weight: 23 lbs. 60% on Ds chart
height: 32 in. 90% on Ds chart

She's long and skinny. Actually, I'm surprised that had she gained any weight. She is the pickiest eater I know. He recommended a multi-vitamin for her.

It was the most "typical" visit we've had with Lindsay. We have to get a thyroid and anemia test for her, but that's it. No specialists to see. No follow up appointments. Whew!!

New Blogger in the House

2009-05-28T20:05:00.002-04:00

Can you tell that summer is close? I usually try to find a new hobby to occupy my time. I guess this is it. I know I already have a website, but just posting pictures with no narrative just doesn't do our life justice. So for posterity sake, I'm starting this blog. We'll see if it lasts!